説明するExplaining Processes
Chapter Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Explain a process in order, using 「まず」、「次に」、and 「最後に」.
- Describe a general result or rule using the procedural 「と」 pattern.
- Describe what to do in a particular situation, using 「場合」.
- Explain the purpose of an action, using 「ために」.
- Explain a goal or desired outcome, using 「ように」.
- Recognize instructions written in the plain imperative form without being required to produce them.
- Follow and give step-by-step spoken and written instructions for a familiar procedure.
Communication Scenario
With the event day decided in Chapter 13, Emma now needs to actually get the project moving. The community center requires an application form for using the meeting room, and Yuki's coworker has offered to explain how to use the center's printer to make flyers. Emma needs to understand written instructions, follow spoken directions step by step, and later explain the same steps to another volunteer. This chapter gives Emma, and you, the language for explaining and following processes: sequencing steps, stating purposes, and describing what to do in different situations.
- Emma reads a short set of instructions for filling out the room application form.
- A staff member explains, step by step, how to use the printer.
- Emma later explains the same printer steps to a new volunteer, using ために and ように to explain why each step matters.
Core Vocabulary
The following vocabulary supports this chapter's focus on recipes, device use, applications, travel steps, and procedures. All items are productive at this chapter unless marked otherwise.
| Japanese | Reading | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 方法 | ほうほう | method; way of doing something |
| 順番 | じゅんばん | order; sequence; turn |
| 手順 | てじゅん | procedure; steps |
| 場合 | ばあい | case; situation; occasion |
| 目的 | もくてき | purpose; goal |
| 結果 | けっか | result |
| 申し込む | もうしこむ | to apply; to submit an application |
| 使い方 | つかいかた | how to use; way of using |
| 押す | おす | to press; to push |
| 確認する | かくにんする | to confirm; to check |
申し込む is a Group 1 verb; its polite form 申し込みます and its noun form 申し込み (an application) both appear in this chapter. 使い方 is built from 使う (to use) plus 方, the same 方 found in 方法; this connection is explained further in the Script and Kanji Focus section below.
Script and Kanji Focus
This chapter introduces kanji for method, step, cause, result, application, and instruction. These are new to Volume II and keep furigana throughout this chapter. Chapter 13 kanji such as 意見 and 理由 now appear with reduced furigana, shown only at their first appearance in this chapter, since Chapter 13 is one step further along the furigana reduction schedule. Chapter 8 and 9 kanji continue to appear without furigana, as in recent chapters.
The character 方 appears in both 方法 (method) and 使い方 (how to use), but it is read differently in each: ほう in 方法 and かた in 使い方. In 使い方, 方 attaches to the stem of a verb to mean "the way of doing" that verb, a pattern you will also see with other verbs later in the series, such as 読み方 (how to read) or 書き方 (how to write). Learn each word as its own unit rather than assuming 方 always sounds the same.
れんしゅう — Practice: Write each of the eight new kanji above once from memory, then use each one in a short phrase such as この方法 (this method) or 手順を確認する (to check the procedure).
Pronunciation Focus
Several new words in this chapter contain a geminate consonant, marked by small っ:
- 結果 (けっか) contains small っ before か; keep the extra beat distinct from けか.
- 申し込む (もうしこむ) has a long vowel in the first syllable (もう), which should not be shortened to もしこむ.
- 確認する (かくにんする) contains moraic ん before a さ-row consonant; keep ん as its own mora rather than blending it into にん as a single unit with the following する.
Practice tapping out the mora count for 結果, 申し込む, and 確認する before using them in the Guided Practice section below.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
This chapter introduces five connected systems for explaining a process: sequencing steps with まず／次に／最後に, describing general results with procedural と, describing situations with 場合, explaining purpose with ために and ように, and recognizing plain imperative instructions.
1. Sequencing steps — まず／次に／最後に
Purpose: to present the steps of a process clearly, in the order they happen.
- まず、申し込み用紙に名前を書きます。First, write your name on the application form.
- 次に、電話番号を書きます。Next, write your phone number.
- 最後に、受付に出します。Finally, submit it at the reception desk.
まず、次に、and 最後に are sentence-initial connectors and do not change the verb form that follows. They may be combined with other connectors, such as それから (after that), which was introduced in an earlier volume as a general-purpose sequencing word.
2. Describing general results — procedural と
Purpose: to describe what regularly or naturally happens when a condition is met, such as steps in a machine's operation or a general rule.
- このボタンを押すと、電源が入ります。If you press this button, the power turns on.dictionary form + と → automatic/general result
- 申し込み用紙を出すと、番号がもらえます。When you submit the application form, you receive a number.
- この道をまっすぐ行くと、駅に着きます。If you go straight down this road, you arrive at the station.
This procedural と describes a general or automatic result, not a one-time personal plan or invitation. It is common in instructions, directions, and explanations of how something works, and it does not require です／ます after the と clause when it functions this way.
3. Describing situations — 場合
Purpose: to explain what to do, or what is true, in a particular case or situation.
- 分からない場合は、スタッフに聞いてください。If you don't understand, please ask a staff member.
- 紙がなくなった場合は、この棚から取ってください。If the paper runs out, please take some from this shelf.
- 雨の場合は、イベントは中止です。In the case of rain, the event is cancelled.
場合 attaches after a plain-form verb, an adjective, or a noun (often with の), and is frequently followed by は. It is especially common in written instructions, notices, and explanations of exceptions or special cases.
4. Explaining purpose — ために and ように
Purpose: to explain why an action is done, either as a stated goal (ために) or as a desired outcome expressed with a verb that is not fully under the speaker's direct control (ように).
- きれいに印刷するために、正しい紙を選びます。In order to print cleanly, choose the correct paper.
- みんなが分かるように、ゆっくり説明します。So that everyone can understand, I'll explain slowly.
- 間違えないように、もう一度確認してください。Please check once more so that you don't make a mistake.
ために typically follows a verb that expresses an intentional goal, such as 印刷する (to print) above. ように typically follows a verb describing a state, ability, or unintentional result, such as 分かる (to understand) or 間違える (to make a mistake); this is why 分かるように is natural but 分かるために would sound unusual in the same sentence. This distinction is introduced here at a practical level and will be developed further in later volumes.
5. Recognizing plain imperative instructions (recognition only)
Purpose: to recognize direct plain-form commands when they appear in signs, manuals, or recipes, without being required to produce them.
- 押せ。Press. (blunt plain imperative — signs and manuals only)
- 止まれ。Stop. (blunt plain imperative — traffic and safety signs)
The plain imperative is common on signs, in manuals, and in some fixed public notices, but it sounds abrupt or harsh in ordinary conversation. This chapter's productive instructions instead use polite request forms such as 〜てください, which you have used since Volume I. Recognizing the plain imperative on a sign is a reading skill; producing it in everyday speech is not expected at this stage.
Grammar Practice
- Write three sentences describing the steps of a simple process, using まず, 次に, and 最後に.
- Write one sentence describing a general result using procedural と.
- Write one sentence describing a special situation using 場合は.
- Write one sentence explaining a purpose, choosing ために or ように correctly for the verb you use.
- Combine your sentences from items 1 through 4 into one connected explanation, following the Building Block pattern.
Model Dialogue
Setting: A community center staff member, カワタさん, explains the printer to Emma.
ないようりかい — Comprehension questions:
- What must Emma choose first, and why?
- What should Emma do if the paper runs out?
- What does Kawata advise Emma to do when she explains the procedure to a new volunteer?
Guided Practice
タスク１ — Sequence a process. Choose one familiar process (making tea, checking in at a hotel, applying for a library card) and write three sentences using まず, 次に, and 最後に.
タスク２ — Describe an automatic result. Write one sentence with procedural と describing what happens when a button is pressed, a door is opened, or a similar action occurs.
タスク３ — Describe a special case. Write one sentence with 場合は describing what to do if something goes wrong during your process from Task 1.
タスク４ — Explain a purpose. Write one sentence using either ために or ように to explain the purpose of one step in your process.
Listening Practice
Ask your instructor, a partner, or a text-to-speech tool to read the following passage aloud at a clear, moderate pace.
きくタスク — Instructions for the room application
部屋を使うためには、まず申し込み用紙に必要なことを書きます。次に、その用紙を受付に出すと、番号がもらえます。書き方が分からない場合は、受付の人に聞いてください。最後に、番号を確認してから、部屋に入ってください。
聞くタスク — Listening task: Note the order of the four steps and what the speaker says to do if you don't understand how to fill out the form.
This script uses まず、次に、and 最後に once each, along with one instance of 場合は and one instance of procedural と; listen for how the steps and the special case fit together.
Speaking Practice
コントロールされた練習 — Controlled practice: Quick answers
- 紙がなくなった場合は、どうすればいいですか。
- きれいに印刷するために、何をしますか。
- このボタンを押すと、何が起きますか。
コミュニケーションタスク — Explaining a process role-play
With a partner, choose one process: using a vending machine, applying for a library card, or making a simple dish. Take turns explaining the process step by step, using まず／次に／最後に, at least one 場合は sentence, and at least one ために or ように sentence.
ひとりでもできる練習 — Solo practice: Recorded instructions
Record yourself explaining a process of your choice in under two minutes, including all three sequencing words, one special-case sentence with 場合, and one purpose sentence with ために or ように. Listen back and check that your steps are in a clear order and that your geminate consonants and long vowels are clear.
Reading Practice
Read the following short set of instructions, then answer the questions below.
部屋の申し込み方法 — How to apply for the room
コミュニティセンターの部屋を使う場合は、次の手順で申し込んでください。まず、受付にある申し込み用紙をもらいます。次に、名前、電話番号、使いたい日を書きます。書き方が分からない場合は、受付のスタッフに聞いてください。用紙を出すと、順番の番号がもらえます。結果は、後で電話で連絡します。イベントの目的や参加人数も忘れずに書いてください。最後に、この用紙のコピーを取っておくと、後で便利です。
Notice that 意見 and 理由 from Chapter 13 do not appear here, but words such as 便利, which are consolidated from earlier chapters, appear without furigana, matching this stage of the furigana reduction schedule.
ないようりかい — Comprehension questions:
- What is the first step in applying for the room?
- What should you do if you don't understand how to fill out the form?
- What does the writer suggest doing with a copy of the form, and why is it useful?
Writing Workshop
In this workshop you will write a short set of instructions for a familiar process, following the Building Block pattern from the Grammar section.
- State the purpose of the process, using ために or ように.
- List the steps in order, using まず、次に、and 最後に.
- Describe at least one automatic result, using procedural と.
- Note a special case, using 場合は, such as what to do if something goes wrong.
- Check your instructions by reading them aloud in order, as if following them for the first time.
- Revise and check using the checklist below before finalizing your text.
チェックリスト — Editing checklist:
- My instructions include a clear purpose using ために or ように.
- My steps are in a clear order, using まず、次に、and 最後に.
- I included at least one automatic result using procedural と.
- I included at least one special case using 場合は.
- I kept furigana on this chapter's new kanji and reduced furigana on Chapter 13 kanji, following the furigana reduction schedule.
- I ended each sentence with 。 and used consistent script and punctuation.
Culture and Communication
Community centers, libraries, and other shared public facilities in Japan commonly post written step-by-step instructions for using shared equipment such as printers, photocopiers, and reservation systems, often alongside a staff member available to help in person. This combination of written and spoken instruction is common in many public-facility cultures around the world and is not unique to Japan, but it is a useful pattern to expect when navigating similar spaces, since the wording and level of detail can vary by facility and region.
Public signs, manuals, and safety notices sometimes use the blunt plain imperative form introduced in this chapter's grammar section, but the exact wording of signs can vary by facility, industry, and region. Some notices use polite request forms instead, especially in customer-facing spaces. This chapter asks you only to recognize the plain imperative when reading; you are not expected to produce it.
The patterns in this chapter, including 〜てください, まず／次に／最後に, and 場合は, are appropriate for polite explanations to staff, coworkers, and people you do not know well. When explaining a process to a close friend or family member, some speakers shift to plain style throughout, dropping です／ます, but that fuller shift is not the focus of this chapter and should not be assumed automatically from the patterns introduced here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Error: *みんなが分かるために、ゆっくり説明します。 using ために after 分かる, a verb describing a state rather than an intentional action.
Correction: みんなが分かるように、ゆっくり説明します。 — ように is used with verbs describing states, abilities, or outcomes that are not directly controlled by the subject's will.
Error: *明日、映画を見ると、楽しいですよ。 attempting to use procedural と to invite someone to a one-time planned activity.
Correction: 映画を見ると、楽しい気持ちになります。 or, for an invitation, 明日、映画を見ませんか。 — procedural と describes a general or automatic result, not a specific one-time plan or invitation.
Error: *紙を選びます。ボタンを押します。紙を取ります。 presenting three separate sentences with no indication of order or connection.
Correction: まず、紙を選びます。次に、ボタンを押します。最後に、紙を取ります。 — まず、次に、and 最後に make the sequence of steps clear to a reader or listener who has not seen the process before.
Chapter Review
Section A — ごい (Vocabulary)
1. Use 方法, 手順, 場合, and 目的 each in one sentence.
Section B — もじ (Script)
1. Write 方法, 場合, 結果, and 押す from memory, and note that all four kanji from this chapter keep furigana in this chapter's texts.
Section C — ぶんぽう (Grammar)
1. Write three sentences sequencing a process with まず、次に、and 最後に.
2. Write one sentence with a general result using procedural と.
3. Write one sentence describing a special situation using 場合は.
4. Write one sentence using ために or ように, choosing correctly based on the verb.
5. Explain, in your own words, why 分かるように sounds more natural than 分かるために.
Section D — どっかいりかい (Reading comprehension)
1. Look again at the room application instructions in the Reading Practice section. Write two sentences summarizing them in your own words.
Section E — かくこと (Writing)
1. Complete your own set of instructions, following the Writing Workshop steps.
Section F — はなすこと (Speaking)
1. With a partner or instructor, explain one of the Speaking Practice processes, using at least one 場合は sentence and one ために or ように sentence.
Practical Performance Task
パフォーマンスタスク
手順を説明する — Explaining a procedure
Imagine you need to teach a new volunteer how to complete a practical task at your community group, such as using a piece of equipment or filling out a form. Complete all three components below.
- Written instructions: Write a short set of instructions of at least five sentences that states the purpose, sequences the steps with まず／次に／最後に, describes at least one automatic result with procedural と, and notes a special case with 場合は, using the Building Block pattern from the Grammar section.
- Spoken explanation: With a partner, instructor, or recording, explain the same procedure aloud, step by step, as though teaching it for the first time.
- Listening check: Listen to a partner's or instructor's explanation of a different procedure and correctly identify the order of the steps and any special case mentioned.
Assessment focus: accurate and natural use of まず／次に／最後に, procedural と, 場合は, and ために／ように; clear step order; correct kanji recognition with appropriate furigana for this chapter's new kanji; and comprehensible pronunciation with attention to gemination and long vowels in procedure vocabulary.
Answer Key
Grammar Practice
1. Model: まず、お湯を沸かします。次に、お茶の葉を入れます。最後に、三分待ちます。 2. Model: このボタンを押すと、お湯が出ます。 3. Model: お湯が熱すぎる場合は、少し待ってください。 4. Model: おいしいお茶を作るために、正しい温度のお湯を使います。 5. Open-ended; check that the combined explanation follows the purpose → steps → result → special case order or a natural equivalent.
Model Dialogue — Comprehension
- Emma must first choose the correct paper size, in order to print cleanly.
- If the paper runs out, Emma should take new paper from the shelf.
- Kawata advises Emma to explain slowly and in order, so that everyone can understand.
Listening task — Model summary
The steps are: first, write the necessary information on the application form; next, submit the form at the reception desk to receive a number; if you don't understand how to fill out the form, ask the reception staff; finally, check the number before entering the room.
Reading — Comprehension
- The first step is to get an application form from the reception desk.
- If you don't understand how to fill out the form, you should ask the reception staff.
- The writer suggests keeping a copy of the form, because it is convenient later.
Chapter Review — Section A and B
Open-ended; check against the Core Vocabulary and Script and Kanji Focus sections above.
Chapter Review — Section C
Open-ended; models follow the patterns shown in the Grammar section above. For item 5, a correct explanation notes that 分かる describes a state or ability rather than a deliberate action, so ように is the natural choice, while ために is reserved for verbs describing intentional goals.
Chapter Review — Section D
Model answer: 部屋を使いたい人は、まず受付で申し込み用紙をもらって、必要なことを書きます。分からないことがあれば、受付のスタッフに聞くことができます。 (Other accurate answers accepted.)
Chapter Review — Section E and F, and Practical Performance Task
These are open-ended production tasks. Evaluate written work against the Writing Workshop checklist above, and evaluate the spoken explanation and listening check against the assessment focus listed under the Practical Performance Task.
Looking Ahead
いまできること — What you can do now
You can sequence the steps of a process using まず、次に、and 最後に, describe a general or automatic result using procedural と, describe a special situation using 場合は, and explain the purpose of an action using ために or ように. You can also recognize the plain imperative on signs and in manuals, and you can combine these patterns into a short, connected set of instructions.